How To Find Your Perfect Physical Scrubs: 5 Golden Rules
Sometimes physical scrubs get a bad rep in the beauty community. Some find them harsh and claim they create “microtears” in the skin (which is apparently a total myth – thanks, Google!). But I genuinely believe there’s a time and a place to get scrubby. Whether you’ve been neglecting your moisturizing routine or simply feel your skin is clogged with dead cell buildup, a good physical exfoliant can be a truly cathartic experience. There’s little so satisfying in the whole world.
1. Facial Scrubs Need To Be Gentle
In terms of facial scrubs, I believe that gentler is better. A current favourite is the BanilaCo High Bye Vita Peel Exfoliating Scrub, which combines some fruit enzymes with the scrubby particles to help effectively lift off any flakey, dried-out, dead patches of skin. Used in the morning, what follows is the most seamless and pleasant makeup application you’ve ever felt.
A similar option, perhaps better suited for sensitive skins, is the Tula So Polished Exfoliating Sugar Scrub. This is amazing to use in the shower, as the sugar particles break down and dissolve after a few seconds, making over-exfoliation impossible. It also smells delightful.
For oily-skinned bases, the Lancer The Method Polish is truly remarkable. It is one of the most instantly effective skincare products I’ve ever used – after just one scrub, skin feels smoother and softer and even looks brighter and glowier. It’s on the pricier side, but one tube will last months and months.
2. You Can Find Good Options on a Tight Budget Too
If you’re on a tight budget, I also truly stand behind the good old Queen Helene Oatmeal and Honey Scrub. It’s gentler than many other drugstore scrub options and has soothing oatmeal and honey to keep it hydrating.
And for those who want a scrub that just does more, the Gallinee Face Mask & Scrub is the product for you. I absolutely adore this – applied in a thick layer, left to dry, and buffed off with warm water. It always leaves skin looking better than before. As a side note, I’ve tried a lot of stuff from Gallinee, and so far, I’m yet to find a dud among the brand.
3. Body Scrubs Are Essential for Any Fake Tan Users
Let’s move on to the body, shall we? Scrubbing all over is a great way to keep the skin healthier and glowier, plus it is essential for any fake tan users. But it needn’t feel like a chore, as the Laura Mercier Almond Coconut Milk Scrub proves. This is one of the most delightful products on the market, full stop. If you want to feel as though you’re showering in a frappuccino that leaves your skin feeling like a cloud, look no further.
However, the Laura Mercier scrub is also one of the most expensive scrubs out there – good for a treat but not ideal for everyday use. For that, I absolutely love both the Frank Beauty Original Coffee Scrub and the Mario Badescu Raspberry Body Scrub. The Frank is a loose scrub made of coffee grounds, which can be messy but is undeniably satisfying. The Mario Badescu is gentler and slightly easier to use, perfect for exfoliation maintenance.